Teen youth will meet on 5th & 19th January, 6.30-8pm, in East Glendalough School. All of secondary school age are welcome.
United Youth will meet on 11th January, 6-7.30pm, in East Glendalough School. Anyone 4th-6th class is welcome.
Parish News
The Bible Course
The Bible is a big and complicated book to read and for many it can be difficult to know where to start. The Bible Society has produced a course for those who are familiar with the Bible or just starting out.
It helps you see how the books of the Bible are part of one big story. Using a unique storyline, it shows how key events, books and characters fit together. The video teaching, course guide and daily readings will help participants grow in confidence as they read the Bible for themselves.
Each weekly session includes a video, small group discussion, and refreshments. It will be supported by both Killiskey and Ashford parishes. The Bible Course is expected to run for eight weeks run on Tuesday evenings from 11th February to 31st March. Further details to follow. If you would like further information please contact either Bruce Alwood (087 2547538) or Rev Ken.
Planned Giving
Please consider renewing or beginning your financial commitment to Killiskey Parish by way of Planned Giving. By doing this you can maximise the amount of money received by the Parish and greatly assist the Parish to meet its financial commitments. Planned Giving is making a pledge to donate an amount of money regularly over the course of the year whether weekly, monthly, quarterly or by a single donation. Under the tax regulations, the Parish, as a registered charity, can obtain a tax refund from the government for recorded donations from tax payers (PAYE and Self-Assessment) who contribute a minimum of €250 in the tax year. This is the equivalent of €4.81 per week. The parish can claim a further approx. 45% of the amount donated from the government. Cash donations on the plate, while very gratefully received, are not eligible for a tax refund. If you are contributing more than €250 over the course of the year through this method, you might like to consider Planned Giving.
Planned Giving can be done in any one of the following ways:
The envelope system enables parishioners to donate regular cash amounts which can be recorded for tax refund purposes. Envelopes can be obtained from the churchwardens.
By setting up a standing order with your bank for a minimum donation of €5 per week (or monthly or quarterly equivalent).
A donation or donations totalling at least €250 can be made directly to the Parish Treasurer, Scott Golden, Malvern House, The Glebe, Wicklow Town.
Church Review
Lesley Rue organises the distribution of the Church Review. If you would like your name to be added to the list of recipients in 2020, please let her know. She is currently collecting the annual 2020 subscriptions of €40.
Week of Prayer For Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between 18th January and 25th January. As Rev Ken co-chairs an initiative called Ecumenical Bible Week, he has been asked to lead the RTE broadcast service on 19th January. Others involved from various Christian traditions include Fr Kieran O’Mahony (Roman Catholic), Pastor Martin Sauter (Lutheran), Revd Jools Hamilton (Methodist) and Mr Paul Manook (Armenian Apostolic), all of whom have preached in Nun’s Cross Church.
It is anticipated that the annual clergy lunch will take place on Friday 24th January for those in the East Glendalough area. This brings together in fellowship ministers from the main Christian traditions.
Ordained Local Ministry
Since September 2018, a new form of ministry has been established in the Church of Ireland called Ordained Local Ministry (OLM). Nine of the twelve C of I dioceses are now involved (Dublin & Glendalough is not one of these). The features of this ministry are:
- It is an ordained ministry – OLMs are deacons and priests in the fullest sense of the word.
- It is a local ministry – limited to the parish/group of parishes, rural deanery or archdeaconry.
- It is a self–supporting ministry – transfer to any form of stipendiary or what is known as non–stipendiary ministry is not possible without attending a Selection Conference and completion of full ministerial training.
- It is a supervised ministry – an OLM is always supervised by a stipendiary priest.
- It is a recognised ministry. It is recognised by the Church and for which training has been undertaken and ongoing support is required.
- It is a collaborative or team or companion ministry. An OLM is always part of a team of clergy and lay people.
- It is missional – not simply about filling gaps but intended to expand the missional outreach of the local Church community.
There are currently 74 candidates training for ordination, of whom 44 are training to be OLMs.
Rev Ken co-ordinates the OLM course and will be attending a weekend led by three Bishops from 10th to 12th January.
Choir
In recent months, a choir has been re-established. The hymns of each Sunday’s Principal Service will be practiced in the church from 10.30am. If you would like to join the choir, please let Tim Hicks know.
Confirmation
An information evening concerning confirmation classes will be held on 26th November in East Glendalough School at 7.30pm. It is mainly geared for pupils in secondary schools. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let Revd Jack or Revd Ken know.
Eco Tips — The Joy of Christmas Memories
A walk along supermarket aisles leaves no one in any doubt that Christmas is approaching. Shelves groan under the weight of sweets, chocolates, alcohol (all those lovely treats that are just that, treats, if consumed in the correct proportions!), but also a plethora of decorations, Christmas themed cushions, crockery, everything it seems, all there to lure customers to buy more than they need or can afford. Time was (still is for some) that decorations were stored in a box in the loft and then lovingly unpacked in the days or weeks coming up to Christmas, each item evoking beloved memories before being hung on the tree or placed around the house. For sure, replace those broken tree lights or buy occasional baubles, but maybe this year think before purchasing vast amounts that are not really needed. Ditto for Christmas presents. Children can be totally overwhelmed by piles of gifts, often the packaging being preferred. One could buy fewer, maybe better quality, presents for family and friends or go for experiences or gifts that will last all year round (e.g. annual subscriptions). Christmas should primarily celebrate the birth of Christ, but is also (partly) about giving, but not about wanton waste or debt. So, enjoy the festivities, remember others, reduce your waste / mind the environment.
The Hub
Christmas gifts and cards are now available from The Hub. The shop is currently open most mornings Monday to Saturday. Lesley Rue would be interested in hearing from any new potential volunteers.
On Thursday mornings from 10.30am LET’S CRAFT! meets in The Hub